Our Mission
To share the love and inheritance of God with all who are in need of refuge and a place to thrive in God’s household.
To Engage people in the life of Christ, Equip people with Biblical answers, and to Empower people to exercise their gifts.
But why a homestead?
A homestead is a cluster of homes and families, built to provide security, shelter, and a sense of home for those in the community and passers-by.
Not long after the railroad transformed a White River camp into the bustling little town of Branson, the Old Stone Church was built. Gospel preaching had created the Presbyterian congregation, and the congregation worked with the townspeople to create the church. People donated the land, lumber, and labor. They gave or raised what they could for the project – even children chipped in by picking and selling wild berries. Together, more than a church building was built. A settlement became a community and residents became neighbors. But even more importantly, God's people came to embody a special expression of the Father's heart for this place. We received the call to draw Branson into God's work and family through partnership in His mission.
This particular kind of leadership has been our call and story ever since. We call it homesteading. It's not charge-ahead bravado or clever trend-setting. Nor is it heroism that saves the world singlehandedly. Instead, homesteading is about taking a stand on the simple Gospel truth that following Jesus means loving God and our neighbor more than ourselves. We've staked this claim, and from it we raise a vision of our Father's household, welcoming in all who desire friendship or need shelter. Although homesteading keeps our doors open to both neighbors and passers-by, it does not seek merely to entertain in parlors or living rooms. We are called to combine nurture and grit, generosity and conviction in a way that calls visitors and refugees alike into participation in God's work for the common good. By inviting everyone who enters from front door to kitchen and from living room to workshop, we grow together into daughters and sons of our Father, fully equipped to seek our promised inheritance and extend God's household to new people and places.
The rediscovery of this call is essential for these times. Branson, though unique in our country, is not insulated from the sea of change that is engulfing our world. We are unsettled and perplexed by the noisy, disruptive storms that shake us from foundation to core. Things we once trusted as unchanging are now uncertain, and for all of our busyness and the promises of innovation, we feel ever more lost and abandoned in a spiritual, economic, and social wilderness. But the Gospel thrives in conditions such as these. God's household is a refuge, and His fathering creates community out of chaos and inheritance out of desolation. We must redouble our efforts to extend welcome to neighbor and stranger. We must strive to perfect our learning of the ways of Jesus that involve and engage everyone in the Lord's work. We must send each other as daughters and sons, birthing many more households, until everyone has a chance to find a place in God's family.
Jesus
Jesus is the son of God and Lord of all. He is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. We believe that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” (1 Cor. 15:2-4).
Sin
There is no aspect of creation or the human life that is untouched by sin. Sin corrupts what was God created. We know that the wages of sin is death, and eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23). No human is exempt from this, without Jesus.
Salvation
We believe that no man is brought to saving faith is Jesus unless the Spirit draws him (Jn 6:44). Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through me”(Jn. 14:6). Through Christ alone do we receive salvation, fellowship with God and true fellowship with one another, “if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead” (Rom. 10:9). Salvation is my grace alone, through faith alone and in Christ alone. This is not of our own doing or work, but it is the free gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9). This grace enables us to live a life of trusting and following Jesus.
The Bible
The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).
The Holy Spirit
Upon the confession of faith in Jesus, we are baptized by God’s Holy Spirit and he lives within us. We believe the gifts of the Spirit (as found in 1 Corinthians 12) as well as various signs and wonders, are operative and continue today to testify to the reality of God’s Kingdom as well as edify and empower Christ’s Body, the Church. God’s Spirit teaches, comforts, guides, directs, convicts, and empowers believers in the process of sanctification for the purpose of being made like God.
Baptism
We believe baptism is an outward sign of a person’s belief. Baptism itself does not provide salvation (that is through Christ alone), but it shows the world that an individual has put his/her trust in the finished work of Jesus and has died and been raised with Christ to walk in the newness of life.
The Life and Role of the Church
The Church is the primary instrument through which God plans to bring restoration and redemption to the broken creation. As God exists in the community of the trinity we have been made a priesthood of believers, a family, each to be joined with and actively involved in a local community of saints.
God’s desire for us, his people, is to be holy and set apart—a royal priesthood—and he calls us to clothe ourselves “with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col. 3:12). Although we will never reach perfect holiness in this life, we seek to live a holy life while continually practicing disciplines of confession, repentance and forbearance.
We are called to love one another unconditionally. Love does not turn a blind eye on sin in each other’s lives, but it also does not condemn and reject one other outright. We ought to “forgive each other just as God, in Christ, has forgive us” (Eph. 4:32), and practice repentance and restoration in our daily life. Men and women alike are called and gifted uniquely to proclaim the Gospel and do the works of the Kingdom.
The primary mission of the Church is to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey all that Jesus has commanded (Matt 28:19-20).
Being a member of a church might be one of the most misunderstood parts of the Christian life. Is it important?
The answer is yes.
What makes being a member different than simply attending regularly?
Simply put: being a member of a church (or "Covenant Partner") is less like joining a country club, and more like being connected to other people through a covenant. It's like becoming a member of a family. It is a commitment to serving Christ and the community through and with each other.
If you'd like more information about becoming a Covenant Partner at FPC Branson, please submit the information below to be contacted by a church officer
2020 Covenant Partner Class Schedule: Saturdays FEB 15; MAY 2; SEPT 5; NOV 14
All classes meet 8:30 AM--12:30 PM
Classes with less than 2-3 CONFIRMED attendees will be cancelled one week in advance.
We would love to meet you, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 AM
LITTLE DISCIPLES
9:00--9:15 Music with Kyle Denton
9:15--9:30 Snack and Play
9:30--10:15 Bible Lesson (PreK4--2nd-----3rd--6th)
YOUTH
The PC Youth Sunday School class seeks to train students in their
understanding of our Christian faith, the “essentials” and ‘why we believe
how we believe.’ It also serves as a time to teach students how to live out
their faith in school and life.
Location: Youth Building
Led by youth staff: Pat and Karen Base
7-12th Grade
ADULT CLASSES
Lifestyles
Location: Parlor 1
This is a discussion-based, in depth Bible study, aimed at tackling life’s
issues and discovering how Jesus wants us to approach them. We will
begin studying the book of James with the Believe Series after Easter.
Presently meeting with Seekers Facilitator: Barbara Hunt
Seekers
Location: Parlor 2
The Seekers class uses a variety of Bible studies and Christian leader
studies to prayerfully seek to get closer to our Lord and Savior. Strongly
utilizes sharing and prayer time to see Christ working in each other’s lives.
Builders
Location: Fellowship Annex
The Builders class is currently studying the Book of Hebrews and its
relevance today.
Facilitators:Sam Rodehaver, Stan Vos and David Whetstone
FELLOWSHIP 10AM
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
KID’S OWN WORSHIP 10:35
We are currently using SuperBook videos creating deeper Bible
Experiences for kids through various activities, scripture and
Media. Ages: K-6th grade and held during the worship hour: 10:25 -
11:30
*Not held on the 1st Sunday of each month--Communion Sundays*
AGES: K-6th Grade
WEDNESDAYS
JAM KIDZ’ KLUB 4:15 -- 5:30
Music+Teaching+Singing &Spring Musical
Age:K - 6th Grade
Connect at Family Dinner 5:30 -- 6:15
Parents and family are invited to join the church family for dinner.
Parental supervision during this time is expected.
JAM Hand Bells 5:55 -- 6:30
Learning to play hand bells teaches more than just music. It teaches
cooperation, teamwork and much more. Kids perform at Sunday services
occasionally to show off what they’ve learned.
Age: 3 - 6th Grade
Youth Fellowship 6:00 -- 8:00
Led by Youth Staff: Pat and Karen Base
Youth Building
7-12th Grade
Adult Bible Study 6:30 - 7:30
Chancel Choir 6:35--7:45
Contact Kyle Denton: 402.310.2822 -- FPCBransonmusic@yahoo.com
CONNECT GROUPS
All of our FPC connect groups fall into two general categories of Spirt-led
smaller FPC communities: Bible Studies or Prayer and Christ-Centered
Lifestyles. Some limit their size for cohesiveness while others are always
open to new members.
BIBLE STUDIES or PRAYER GROUPS
Men’s Prayer Group
Open to all men
Wednesday morning @ 6:45
Fireside room
Contact: Stan Vos 417.699.3295- sandpvos@gmail.co
FPC Women’s Bible Study and Fellowship Meetings
Meets the 2nd Thursday each month: 1PM
Fellowship Hall
Contact: Alicia Kimberlin 480.272.1426 -- AliciaJo777@gmail.com
Believers:
Meets twice each month Sunday at 2:30 PM
Parlor 2: Mixed: Bible based videos/refreshments
Jim Edkin: Leader: 918.630.4190
Prayer Team:
Praying as the Holy Spirit leads
Mondays at 4:30 PM Parlor 2
Open to all
Contact David Whetstone: 918.630.4190
Spiritual Warfare Prayer Team:
Meeting prior to Sunday Worship Service: Sanctuary
Contact David Whetstone: 918.630.4190
Wednesday Morning Prayer Team:
Wednesday weekly at 10 AM Fireside Room
Contact: Phyllis Vandernaald: vandernaaldp@hotmail.com
Mixed Group Bible Study
Meets the first and third Mondays at 10:00 AM
Anyone is welcome to join us in our study of the book of Philippians.
Contact: Phyllis Vandernaald: vandernaaldp@hotmail.com
“Putting on the Helmet of Righteousness.”
Meets the 3rd Tuesday
Mixed:
Ken Kimberlin-Leader: 417.217.0356
LIFESTYLES
Walk with Our Shepherd:
Thursday at 8 AM:
A short restoring walk beside Table Rock Lake beginning at the Dewey
Short Visitor Center:
Contact Wanda Emmenegger: 662.822.6996
Friday Folding Friends:
Friday at 9 AM in Frieda’s Office: Mixed:
Meg Pyron-Leader:
Fold bulletins, assemble newsletter, pray and share Christian love.
Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts
Meet Monday 7- 8PM
Fellowship Hall
Contact Ken Kimberlin: 417.217.0356
Girl Scouts BSA
Meet Monday 6 - 7:30 PM
Youth Building
Contact Ken Kimberlin: 417.217.0356
FPC TEAMS
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM
Purpose Statement: The mission of the Community Engagement Team (CET) is to
Serve as the FPC centroid for formal interfacing with both needy individuals and
those like-minded, community organizations dedicated to spreading the Word
and Love of God to the less privileged among us. In addition to its outward focus,
CET is responsible for managing FPC-internal activities dedicated to the personal
engagement and interface with visitors and newcomers to the church, managing
the process for assisting individuals with temporary or emergency sustainment
needs, and instituting and managing the missional effort to identify, attract, and
recruit new FPC Covenant Partners.
Team members: Alexis Gable, Meg Pyron, Frieda Sindorf, John & Tina Stickman
General information/Progress of CET Subordinate Ministries:
1. Neighborhood assistance Ministry - CET provides Session coordination
and oversight for FPC’s Neighborhood Assistance Ministry, which is ably
managed by Church Administrator, Meg Pyron. Neighborhood Assistance
provides necessary financial support and grants to needy individuals and
families within the Greater Branson Community.
2. Transportation Ministry - Alexis Gable serves in the essential Ride
Coordinator role for FPC’s Transportation Ministry. A list of volunteer drivers and
transportation providers is circulated at all Joint Session/Deacon Meetings and is
posted for Covenant Partner volunteer sign-ups on the Church Bulletin Board in
the Fireside Room. Thirteen driver-volunteers are registered to provide
transportation services to the FPC Family and Greater-Branson Community:
Karen Akers, Robin Carlock, Robin Fridrich, Alexis Gabel, Barbara Hunt,
Americana Magness, Sara Moll, Holland Mukasa, John and Tina Stickman,
Phyllis Vandernaald, David Whetstone, Donna Yoh, and Karl Young. A
Transportation service notice appears weekly in Sunday’s Church Bulletin.
3. Flourishing Church ministry - This ministry is focused on the growth of our
church with respect to its numbers, i.e., active Covenant Partners, its spiritual
maturation, and its outreach into the community through our evolution from
primarily an invitational church to that of a missional church. One of its
subordinate ministries is the Visitor Ambassador program, which provides a
single volunteer, identified at the beginning of each Sunday church service to the
congregation, to serve as FPC’s “meet and greet point person” for visitors
attending Sunday Worship Service. Stationed at the Visitor Welcome Desk in the
Fireside Room after the worship service, the primary duty of the Visitor
Ambassador is to formally welcome visitors and perspective Covenant Partners
to the church and to answer questions about FPC, our parent organization, ECO,
and to ensure each guest is identified for follow-up contact through an entry in
FPC’s visitor log. A second, subordinate ministry encompasses those activities
pursued through community organizations and various social media to promote
FPC and its ministries. The goal is to increase exposure of our church within the
local community and with like-minded Christians seeking a church home.
4. Guardian Angel Ministry- intended to provide essential emotional, spiritual,
and physical support to assigned persons in need or in crisis who are sincerely
seeking an avenue to change their lives, this ministry is designed to provide an
essential but missing “bridging service” to graduates of focused programs
offered by the local non-profits and philanthropies, i.e., CORE, Options
Pregnancy, Caring People, Jesus was Homeless/Jobs for Life, etc. The Guardian
Angel Ministry accomplishes this by providing emotional, spiritual, and physical
support to assigned persons transitioning from these structured-program
support environments, to the unstructured realities of the outside world. Our
initial cadre of mentor’ volunteers are: Gail Brookhart, Jack Heschend, John
Stickman and Tina Stickman. The sign-up roster, which is circulated at monthly
Session/Deaconate meetings, is posted on the church Bulletin Board in the
Fireside Room for Covenant Partner volunteer sign-up. This list is intended to
identify FPC individuals willing to provide personal support and encouragement
to individuals matriculating from structured support programs offered by the
Branson-area community, but still needing or desiring additional support during
the transition to community self-sufficiency. This ministry opportunity is
particularly germain to our Flourishing Discipleship participants.
5. Neighborhood Partnership Ministry - Four community non-profit
mentorship programs are actively supported by FPC Covenant Partners: CORE
(Sonya Spafford), Jesus Was Homeless/Jobs for Life (John & Tina Stickman),
Options Pregnancy (Marilyn Erselius & Vicci Spicer), and The Caring People
(Donna Yoh). An “FPC Guardian Angel Program: An Offer to Program Graduates,”
is on file with and employed by each of these four nonprofits. Our program goal
is to increase active FPC partnering with local non-profits, while sponsoring
Covenant Partner mentoring engagement with each of the non-profits”
mentorship programs. The relationships and experiences shared will evolve the
core relationships for FPC”s Guardian Angel bridging ministry and is a powerful
discipling opportunity for FPC”s Flourishing Discipleship.
Elder Representative: John Stickmanjohnstickman258@gmail.com
DISCIPLESHIP TEAM
Discipleship/Little Discipleship
2019 Yearly RepVision: Develop a Christian Education program following the
vision of FPC Branson, sharing the love and inheritance of God with all who are
in need of refuge and a place to thrive in God’s household.
Mission: Make Disciples by engaging people in the life of Christ, equipping them
with Biblical answers and empowering them to exercise their gifts.
Team Members: Barbara Hunt, Tom Johnson, Meg Pyron, Donna Yoh, Gary Spicer,
Vicci Spicer, Mary Lou Edkin, Jim Edkin, Pastor Tom, Frieda Sindorf
This year we have stressed the Flourishing Disciple’s Program provided by ECO.
This program helps us develop Disciples that develop Disciples.
Flourishing Disciples--- The Flourishing Disciple’s program continues to grow.
We started with nine people about a year ago and have grown to over twenty. We
will continue into 2020 with monthly team meetings and planning sessions. Our
goal is to add people each month.
PRMI---In Oct. 2019, 11 members traveled to Black Mountain N>C> to attend
an Exousia class to prepare us to conduct the Dunamis program for FPC. We
returned with lots of information and were
filled with the Holy Spirit. Planning will start in Feb. 2020.
Evangelism---Efforts continue by some members to share the Love of Jesus
Christ with those in need.
Little Disciples---Program has went through some changes for the better, new
classes and worship time have been changed allowing the children to attend
Church services while still getting time for their own activities.
Youth---Youth continue to stress Bible studies along with many social events.
Number of attendees remain about the same.
Small Groups---Small groups continue to provide a variety of Bible studies. A
new Prayer group was formed and a Walking Group joined us.
Team Leaders: Jim Edkin 417.699.0416 David Whetstone 414.337.9625
EVANGELISM TEAM
Evangelism and Discipleship Teams are meeting together at present.
Team Leaders: Jim Edkin 417.699.0416 David Whetstone 417.337.9625
FELLOWSHIP TEAM
Purpose: To connect people to the Father’s heart and to each other through
fellowship activities while bringing glory to God
Mission: To plan, organize and provide fellowship activities whereby family and friends can experience the love of Christ
Team members: Alexis Gable, Jim Barber, Frieda Sindorf, Sherry Herschend,
Melissa Herschend, Candy Thomason, Geneva Wegener, Robin Friedrich, Nancy
Von Seebach
The Fellowship Team opened 2019 with a New Covenant Partners Potluck
luncheon to honor all new Partners of 2018. The lunch was extra special due to
Alan Kimberlin, a chef at Table Rock, cooking and serving four delicious soups,
and the sponsorship and decorations by FPC Women.
Our annual Easter breakfast and service was again a huge success. In addition,
in April we hosted a Hail & Farewell potluck lunch to say goodbye to Bob Abbot
and welcome to our new Worship Arts Director Kyle Denton.
While the Team was on a hiatus from May to September, the planning and
execution of a new membership directory with Lifetouch was handled by Alexis
Gable and Sara Moll.
During October the team hosted a Farkle Friday game night, and surprised
Pastors Tom Willcox and Ken Kimberlin with huge greeting cards containing
messages from the congregation on Pastors Appreciation Day.
We capped off 2019 in December with our annual Chili Potluck Dinner following
the Branson Adoration Parade. A Christmas Day Dinner in Fellowship Hall is being planned.
Adding to the above, the Fellowship Team is responsible for the friendly faces of
our Door Greeters, and the information disbursed with coffee & donuts at the
Welcome Center.
Last, but certainly not least, our Kitchen Ministry crew labors every Wednesday
Night, and on special occasions, to provide us with meals where the not-so-secret
ingredient is Love.
If you have some time and a desire to help create opportunities for fellowship,
please come to a team meeting held the first Thursday of the month at 7p.m.
Team Leader: Jim Barber 417.335.1503 Jim@JimBarber.com
FINANCIAL OVERSITE TEAM
If you have financial management expertise you are willing to share, contact:
Team Leader: Edd Akers 417.335.0532 eddakers@outlook.com
FLOURISHING DISCIPLES TEAM
Our Goal:
A Clear understanding of what a disciple is.
To find a clear path from becoming a Christian to being a mature disciple
of Jesus.
To learn how to be a “Discipler,” one who comes along-side another
and helps them become or grow as a disciple.
Our Mission:
As this team becomes proficient in these new areas of understanding and
practice, they will begin engaging people in our community and the rest of our
church family in growth as disciples of Jesus. Our goal is to make this church
family one that is flourishing. A flourishing church is vibrantly alive, growing and
bearing fruit. Our goal is that every one of us would be flourishing disciples. Our
goal is that we would lead many unsaved people into a relationship with God (the
first step in disciple-making among the unsaved is evangelism). We aim to
constantly increase both the quality and the quantity of disciples in Ozark
Mountain Country.
Team Leader: Jim Edkin 417.699.0416
MINISTRY TEAM
Our purpose as lay minister to be inspired by the Life Jesus and his service to others.
To be alert to the carious needs of our congregation (or others) and to respond to those
needs with the love and care shown to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Visitation: We phone, visit, send cards and provide meals for members in need. In 2019 we made: 269 calls, 124 visits, 49 personal cards, 20 emails & Food Tidings.
Happy Birthday Calls: Each month John Long calls those having birthdays; he made
281 calls in 2019
Food Tidings: Food Tidings is an online program that our church uses to help
coordinate the delivery of meals for those having a need, such as during an illness or
while recovering from surgery. Recently, while recovering from surgery we provided
meals for Nancy and Steve Von Seebach. Nancy said that they really appreciated the
meal delivery; it was very helpful. She felt also that the love and concern shown by the
church helped in her recovery, and helped further her walk with God.
Bereavement: When a death occurs within our church family, this team can provide a
meal/reception served at the church after the funeral or memorial service. During 2019
we provided 3 meals.
Home Communion: Every even numbered month this team serves communion to those
church members unable to attend worship on communion Sunday, yet who wish to
receive communion. Eighteen people were served in 2019. In our (Keith and Connie
Sayre) years of serving home communion, the recipients are very grateful and
appreciative for, not only communion, but the time we spend visiting with them. They
miss the fellowship with the church and this time with them is a blessing for them, as
well as for us.
Prayer Chain: This team provides intercessory prayers for person requesting prayer;
Sharon Walker reported 1089 requests for prayer in 2019.
Grieving Books: The four-book series “Journeying Through Grief” is sent out to
families during the first year following the death of a loved one; Sharon sent out 68
books in 2019.
Cards: Cards for all occasions are sent to the congregation. Marilyn Erselius and Mary
Johnson divide this responsibility. Approximately 345 cards were sent out this year.
Prayer Postcard Ministry: 39 prayer cards were mailed in December. This is a new
opportunity of prayer ministry recently started. We look forward to further developing it
in the coming year.
We would encourage anyone who would be interested in serving on the Ministry Team
to contact any of the current members listed in this report for further information.
Team Leader: Karl Young 417.544.0786 karlyoung@suddenlink.net
MISSION TEAM
Our vision is to share the love of Jesus with the world through service.
Our Mission is to serve believers and non-believers by meeting physical,
emotional and spiritual needs without compromising the forthright proclamation
of the Word.
Partners in Ministry:
Care for Kids -- Mentoring program designed for reach students, Pre-K
through High School.
The Caring People -- A community of support and encouragement for
local mothers.
Christian Action Ministry --Local food pantry in Branson.
C.O.R.E. -- Local ministry helping people get off dependence.
Faith Community Health Center -- Local helping folks with their health
and dental needs.
Little Ones Ministry -- Ministry made to share the Gospel and better the
lives of people in Mexico and Nicaragua.
Neighborhood Assistance -- A ministry of FPC Branson designed to
help members of our own community.
Options Pregnancy Clinic -- Local ladies dealing with pregnancy needs.
Presbyterian Preschool -- A ministry of FPC Branson to support the
education of children in the Branson area.
PRMI -- International network of Presbyterians, helping people to know
the Lord.
Salvation Army -- Local chapter helping families and individuals in need.
Torchbearer’s Foundation -- Ministry based in Cameroon Africa,
empowering local leaders to build a better Africa.
Youth Missions -- FPC supports our annual youth outreach programs
and mission trips.
2020 Vision Initiative and FPC’s Refugee Relocation Strategy
Team Leader: Robin Carlock 972.741.3534 robin.carlock417@gmail.com
NOMINATING TEAM
Team Leader: Barbara Hunt - barb2150@gmail.com
PERSONNAL TEAM
The vision of the Personnel Team is to create an environment in which people
performing Vocational Ministry experience the Father’s heart by providing
support, encouragement and accountability to each other and to the members of
our church family.
Specifically, we ensure that all Employment policies are uniformly applied to all
Staff and that compensation of paid Staff is consistent with job duties, skills and
experience.
Team Leader: Jack Herschend Contact church office 417.334.3468
PROPERTY TEAM
Our Mission:
Experiencing the Father’s heart by providing an attractive, comfortable, and safe
environment for teaching and worshiping God.
3 Areas of Focus:
1. Maintaining the campus as good stewards of our resources.
2. Use our facilities for community and church outreach.
3. Provide comfortable and safe facilities that are attractive to all.
To join our Property Team contact:
Jim Hunt 417.294.7590 JimHunt1028@gmail.com
The Property and Safety Team have been pleased to serve our congregation in
2019.
Accomplished in 2019:
Landscape maintained by Pearl Vos
New running boards for the safety of all riding in the church van.
Newly recovered chairs for use at Stone Church, Fellowship Hall and Parlor.
Repaired and added heater for the elevator mechanics.
Purchased and installed new grease traps at kitchen to bring us up to health code.
Purchased and installed new phone safety signs in parking lot for preschool.
Brought fire code guide lines up to date for preschool.
Sought and received bids for engineering to rework retaining wall on north
side of church -- $60,000.
Leveled floor in Fellowship Hall to ensure integrity of building - $4,000.
Installed new brakes on van for safety of passengers.
Replaced computers/Mac Book for - $3,000.
Reworked/repaired shelves at music office.
Painted and maintained showers at preschool restrooms.
Implemented new plans and procedures for safety and security of our church.
Team Leader: Jim Hunt 417.294.7590 JimHunt1028@gmail.com
SAFETY AND SECURITY TEAM
Operating under the Property Team umbrella, this team is responsible for
overseeing our efforts to balance hospitality and accessibility for visitors and
folks new to our church family with our desire and responsibility to insure the
safety and security of our church family.
This team can use folks with gifts of administration, knowledge, wisdom, vision
and leadership. It would also benefit from anyone who is already safety minded or
anyone who has experience in any form of emergency services. We already have
leadership with experience and knowledge but we need people to help us learn
more, figure out new best practices and then help us with implementation of
those practices.
If this stirs something in your heart, get in touch with Jim Hunt, the Team Leader.
Jim Hunt 417.294.7590 JimHunt1028@gmail.com
EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE TEAM
Operating under the umbrella of the Property Team
Mission Statement:
Our purpose is to provide trained personnel to be First Responders to those in
need of medical attention while attending functions in or at church facilities.
Our Purpose:
To provide trained personnel to be First Responders to those in need of medical
attention while attending functions in FPC facilities, and to provide and maintain
First Aid equipment.
The team meets quarterly.
Team Leaders: Ken or Alicia Kimberlin 417.217.0356--417.272.2185
WORSHIP ARTS TEAM
Team Responsibilities:
To facilitate every aspect of our corporate worship services.
To provide pulpit supply when needed.
To solicit and manage volunteers for responsibilities such as worship
assistants, communion servers, and staffing of tech duties.
To facilitate the space where worship is conducted, including it’s
arrangement, furnishings and special appointments such as flowers, banners and
candles.
To facilitate the overall program of worship arts and music in the church.
To facilitate communion preparation and cleanup. Approximately 1,700
persons were served during 2019.
We were very blessed to welcome Kyle Denton as our new Worship Arts Director
in the spring and are grateful to Bob Abbott for helping make a smooth
transition. Kyle and his wife, Claire, have been a joy to work with.
Season of Lent: Crosses were again placed on the lawn and Holy Week services
included Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday.
Season of Advent & Christmas: We are thankful to Marty Schmitt who
coordinated the decorations for our Advent season (as well as the Lent/Easter
and Pentecost seasons.) Pastor Tom’s Blue Christmas service continues to be a
meaningful event especially for those whose hearts are hurting. On December 8, Chancel Choir, J.A.M.Kidz, and Presbyterian Preschool kids along with orchestra
presented “Behold Your King,” a service of Christmas music and readings. We
appreciate all of Kyle’s hard work in planning and dedication to working with
such a large group. A traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service was held at 5
p.m. and we were blessed to have a full sanctuary.
We are grateful to Stephanie Diaz, James Dodds, and Frieda Sindorf for their
talents and dedication to our children’s programs.
As a church family, we are blessed to have so many persons willing to share their
talents to enable our worship. We give thanks for bulletin preparers, dutiful
deacons, tech coordinators, speakers, singers, ringers, dancers, accompanists
and instrumentalists, artists, flower and fabric workers, and woodworkers. Many
of these volunteers participate in multiple areas.
Our congregation is extremely blessed to have the talents of Kyle Denton and our
organist, Marcia Schemper-Carlock. Their thoughtful dedication to planning and
many hours of preparation allow us to glorify God through our worship.
We are always happy to have new members join the Worship Arts Team who
would like to make a contribution to our worship experience.
Team Leader: Jim Justus 417.335.1215 JKJustus@aol.com
2020 VISION INITIATIVE TEAM
Team Leader: John Stickman johnstickman258@gmail.com
VOLUNTEERS
FPC runs with volunteers! They are the soldiers in the trenches, the bees making
honey, the ants feeding the queen, the…well, you get the message! Every team
consists of volunteers.
Pick one and jump in!
Here are some suggestions:
Kids Sunday School and KOW (Kids Own Worship) See Frieda Sindorf
The Nursery -- See Frieda
Wednesday Night Meals -- See Candy Thomason
The Welcome Center Desk -- See John Stickman
FPC Transportation Mission -- See John Stickman
Neighborhood Assistance “GoFer” For The Church Office -- See Meg or
John Stickman.
“Techies” of all types needed during Sunday Worship: Contact Kyle
DentonFPCBransonmusic@yahoo.com or Jim Justus
Volunteer at Elevate Branson Thrift Shop
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